My "checklist" for backing up my Android devices

android_backup.md

Android backup

Mainly for Android phones.

I mostly use Google's backup to Google Drive (which is freaking amazing). It backs up the following:

• App data
• Call history
• Device settings
• SMS

Make sure its all backed up! Verify it under setting AND in https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/backups

Currently, the only way to manually initiate the backup process is using adb:

$ adb shell bmgr backupnow --all

SMS & Call History

This should be handles by Google's backup, but just in case:

• Use the app SMS Backup & Restore.

• Copy the files from /SMSBackupRestore to the computer.

  $ adb pull /SMSBackupRestore
  

Launcher layout and apps list

Using Nova Launcher? Awesome! Open the backup page in Nova Settings. Using the stock launcher? Google's backup should handle this.

But just in case - take screenshots for every page :)

Photos & Videos

I use Google Photos for that. The Pixel gives you unlimited free storage for photos and videos at original quiality.

Make sure to backup the following directories with the app:

• Instagram
• Snapchat
• Snapseed

Internal storage

Most of the stuff are backed up in the cloud but again, just in case, it's a good idea to also have a local backup.

Use adb push or adb pull to transfer stuff from the phone to the computer. This is WAY faster and convenient than the 'Android File Transfer' app.

Important locations:

• /DCIM for media.
• /Download
• /Memesis 'cause you gotta keep the memez.
• /Movies
• /Pictures
• /Slack
• /SMSBackupRestore (see above)
• /Snapchat
• /Snapseed
• /Whatsapp for any case.

A nifty snippet:

folders=( /Download /Whatsapp ) # ...and so on...
for f in ${folders[@]}; do; adb pull $f; done

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Happy flashing :)